Alaska Oversize / Overweight Regulations

What is considered as "Oversized Load" in Alaska?

Hauling loads to Alaska through Canada is different from shipping directly to Canada.  In fact it's much easier,   so you shouldn't be too overly concerned with the process. Operators/Drivers will need:

1. Passport - US drivers will need a US passport.
2. United States - Canada Transit Manifest Customs Form 7512-B
3. Legal Equipment - Canadian trucking laws are enforced. Spread Axle, Canadian oversize permit hauling restrictions for example.
4. Alaska is not an IFTA member state.
5. Pay particular attention for highway frost/freeze information.
   

What is considered as "Overweight Load" in Alaska?

Any axle spaced less than 8 feet and 1 inch from any other axle, measured between the centers of the nearest axles, is considered as part of an axle group.

In multi-axle groups, all axles must carry at least 6,000 pounds.

If the combination of a track-tractor and single semitrailer combination where the length of the semitrailer is 48 feet or more, the weight on a three-axle group on the semitrailer may not exceed, and the distance between the axles may not be less than the following:

• 3'6' Minimum spacing - 42,000 pounds;
• 5' Minimum spacing - 43,500 pounds;
• 6' Minimum spacing - 45,000 pounds.

Alaska Oversize / Overweight Permits

Alaska Pilot Cars / Escorts

Width:

Over 10' 6” up to 12' are required to have one pilot car.

Over 12′ up to 14′ are required to have 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars or escort vehicles. 

Over 14′ and up to 18′ are required to have 3 pilot cars or truck escorts. 

Over 18′ and up to 22′ are required to have 4 pilot cars or truck escort vehicles.

Over 22' & > rolling road closure are required 5 pilot cars or truck escort vehicles.

Length:

Greater than 85' are required to have one pilot car.

Greater than 100' are required to have 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars or escort vehicles.

Greater than 150’ are required to have 3 pilot cars or truck escorts.

Overhangs:

Greater than 10' Less than 20' are required to have one pilot car.

Greater than 20' are required to have one pilot car unless:

Rear greater than 35' are required to have 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars or escort vehicles.

Front greater than 60’ are required to have 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars or escort vehicles.

Overweight:

With special bridge conditions are required to have 1 front and 1 rear pilot cars or escort vehicles.

Height: 

Greater than 17’ are required to have one pilot car.

Alaska Axle Regulations

For a vehicle or combination of vehicles, including load and equipment, the weight on axles or axle groups may not exceed, and the distance between axles may not be less than, the following: 

• The weight on a tire may not exceed 600 pounds per linear inch of tire width based upon the tire manufacturer's rating of nominal tire width;
• Single Axle, 8'1" Minimum spacing* - 20,000 pounds;
• 2-Axle Group, 3'6" Minimum spacing - 38,000 pounds;
• 3-Axle Group, 3'6" Minimum spacing - 42,000 pounds;
• 4-Axle Group, 3'6" Minimum spacing - 50,000 pounds.

* Any axle spaced less than 8 feet and 1 inch from any other axle, measured between the centers of the nearest axles, is considered as part of an axle group.

In multi-axle groups, all axles must carry at least 6,000 pounds.

If the combination of a track-tractor and single semitrailer combination where the length of the semitrailer is 48 feet or more, the weight on a three-axle group on the semitrailer may not exceed, and the distance between the axles may not be less than the following:

• 3'6' Minimum spacing - 42,000 pounds;
• 5' Minimum spacing - 43,500 pounds;
• 6' Minimum spacing - 45,000 pounds.
  

Alaska Trip and Fuel (IRP / IFTA) Permits

Commercial vehicles may operate in more than one jurisdiction but are not registered under any prorate agreement.

These vehicles must pay full registration fees in Alaska. A common example of this is a Canadian owned vehicle that operates regularly between Alaska and Canada. 

These vehicles may acquire what is called a dual registration.

To apply for Dual Registration in Alaska, the following items are required to be submitted to any DMV Office:

• Current registration from another jurisdiction (Photocopy is acceptable)
• Application for Title & Registration
• Fees
• USDOT Number, Tax ID Number and number of axles
• Canadian Vehicles, Only - The applicant must provide proof of the heavy vehicle use tax payment or present an exemption at the time of application. (U.S. Vehicles provide this proof in their base state.)

A one-time (up to 30 days) trip to Alaska may be less expensive by obtaining a Commercial Vehicle Trip Permit. These may be obtained at the Tok Weigh Station.

Fees:

$350.00 for Trucks, Vans, Truck Tractor or Commercial Bus

$ 10.00 for all other commercial vehicles (including a trailer or semi-trailer).

Motor Fuel Tax: http://www.tax.alaska.gov/programs/programs/index.aspx?60210 (Non-IFTA jurisdiction)

Source of information: http://doa.alaska.gov/dmv/reg/dual.htm

Alaska Overweight / Oversize Fines

The maximum fines for violations are over the limit are: 

Running Hours and Holiday Restrictions

"Oversized Load" Banner Regulations and Requirements

Acceptable signs, when specified, shall read “OVERSIZE”, “OVERSIZE LOAD”, or “WIDE LOAD” for overwidth vehicles/loads, and “OVERSIZE”, “OVERSIZE LOAD” or “LONG LOAD” for overlength vehicles/loads. Signs must be kept clean and clearly visible during the entire trip. Signs may be commercially manufactured or hand painted in the following manner: Color shall be black lettering on yellow background and outlined in black. Size shall be a minimum of 48” long by 12” wide (48” x 12”). Lettering shall be a minimum of ten inches tall with a 2” brush stroke.

Flag Requirements

Flags when specified shall be square and a minimum of 16” on each side. Flags must be kept clean and clearly visible during the entire trip. They must be either red or fluorescent orange in color. 

Warning Lights

When specified, the permitted vehicle’s beacon or light bar shall be amber in color and shall be of a high-intensity rotating, flashing, oscillating, or strobe style. The beacon shall be roof mounted or mounted as close to the vehicle’s roof line as practical. The beacon/strobe shall be visible for a minimum of 500 feet, shall be visible through a full 360 degrees and shall be maintained for operability.

Flags, Lights and Banners

Running  Hours

Permitted oversized vehicles and overweight vehicles are PROHIBITED from moving during holiday periods (Holiday travel restrictions are applicable to the Memorial Day, 4th of July (Independence Day), and Labor Day holidays), unless so allowed on the face of the permit:

For holidays occurring on a Sunday or Monday, movement is restricted from noon (12:00 PM) the previous Friday until midnight (12:00 AM) on Monday.

For holidays occurring on a Friday or Saturday, movement is restricted from noon (12:00 PM) Thursday until midnight (12:00 AM) on Sunday.

Alaska Tire Regulations

It is unlawful to operate a motor vehicle with studded tires or tires with chains attached on a paved highway or road from May 1 through September 15, inclusive, north of 60 North Latitude and from April 15 through September 30, inclusive, south of 60 North Latitude, except that at any latitude on a paved portion of the Sterling Highway a person may not operate a motor vehicle with studded tires or tires with chains attached from May 1 through September 15, inclusive.

The commissioner of public safety may provide for additional lawful operating periods based on unusual seasonal or weather conditions.

Additional periods of used of studded tires and/or chains may be granted by the Dept of Administration for a fee in the amount of one-third of the biennial registration fee applicable to that class of vehicle.

No person may drive a vehicle with a tire in unsafe operating condition or with a tread depth of less than 2/30 of an inch measured in two adjacent tread grooves at three equally spaced intervals around the circumference of the tire.

Alaska Annual Permits

Dimensions:

Non-reducible loads only. 

• Maximum Height: 15 feet 
• Maximum Width: 10 feet 6 inches 
• Maximum Length: 75 feet
• Maximum Weight: 125% of the legal weight
• If any of these conditions are exceeded, only a single trip permit can be granted.

Cost:

Overweight: A one-year for a fee of $500.00. The maximum weight allowed with the permit is 125% of legal tire loading, axle (group) or gross weight. There are no travel restrictions, and no signs or flags are required. All other dimensions are legal.

Overlength: A one-year permit  is  $450.00. The  maximum  length  allowed  with  the  permit  is  85  ft.  overall  length,  10  ft.  rear overhang, and with a 53 ft. trailer. There are certain travel restrictions, and oversize signs and red flags are required.

Overwidth: A one-year permit is available for a fee of $500.00. The maximum width allowed is 10 ft 6 inches

Alaska Road Conditions

Summer marks another big season highways and bridge construction.

Commercial construction projects around the state required increased alertness and caution required when driving through construction work zones.

Reducing speeds and heeding warning signs will help ensure your trips are safer while lowering the risk of injury to construction workers.

Alaska Manufactured Houses and Mobile homes

There are no separate, specific regulations applicable to Manufactured Homes.

Oversize / Overweight Regulations By State